Double Glazing Door Lock Repairs
Has your uPVC window or door mechanism become faulty? Perhaps the handles on your uPVC windows or doors aren't aligned properly or are difficult to use.
You'll lose energy if your double-glazed doors don't perform as they should. This increases the risk of burglary. Owen the Locksmith will be able to fix your door lock at a reasonable cost.
Snapped Key
It can be a hassle when a key is snapped into the lock. It also poses an issue for security, since the door may not be locked and leave you vulnerable to intruders. There are a few quick solutions you can use to repair the issue and make your door functional again.
The first step is to remain calm. If you panic you could end up pushing the damaged key further into the lock.
Then spray WD-40 or another penetrating oil into the lock to aid in making the broken piece slide out more easily. You can also use the screwdriver to break off any pieces stuck. If you're lucky enough to have a little bit of the key sticking out it, you can make use of a paperclip, or any other metal object with a thin surface to grab it and then pull it out. Both methods work, but be careful not to push the damaged piece of the key even further into the keyway.
Some paperclips have grooved edges that can be used as hook extractors. Jigsaw blades can also work well for this. If you don't happen to have one of these tools then you can bend a hook with needle-nosed pliers. Additionally, a pair of tweezers is a good way to grip and remove the remaining part of the broken key.
If you cannot remove the broken piece of key Use a lock deicer. It is available in most hardware stores and works by freezing any moisture present inside the lock.
If none of these strategies are working you, it's time to call in locksmith. The experts at Fitlocks can quickly fix problems with uPVC door mechanisms and locks that have snapped keys as well as broken handles. They can also alter your double glazing door mechanisms to make them more user-friendly. You can request repairs to your double-glazing online or call us to discuss your requirements.
Broken Cylinder
A damaged cylinder could pose a major security risk. A professional locksmith can easily repair the cylinder. To fix the cylinder, locksmiths must tap it. They can do this using a hammer or other tool, but the most efficient way is to use a long match or a piece of wire. Then, position the match's tip or wire close to the keyway. After that, the locksmith can strike the lock to crack it open. This is much better than using a hammer that can damage the lock.
The most frequent cause for cylinder head cracks is overheating. This can happen when the cylinder block and cylinder head are made from different metals, like cast iron and aluminum. When different metals heat up and cool down at different rates, it may cause localised hotspots that expand faster than the rest of the cylinder head, leading to cracks.
Corrosion is another possible reason for cylinder fractures. If the cylinder head as well as the cylinder block aren't maintained properly, this could lead to rusting or corrosion, which may cause them to expand at a a higher rate than they should. This can cause cracks as time passes.
If your uPVC door or window lock is brittle or requires an enormous amount of pressure to turn, it can be caused by a number of things. A malfunctioning locking mechanism, misalignment, or an old handle are the most common causes of this issue.
This is a straightforward and affordable fix that the majority of double glazing owners can do. double glazing window repairs can usually solve the issue within one hour of arriving at your property. Depending on the needs of your home, they can replace the locking mechanism, replace the window handles, and also change the gearboxes. A professional locksmith can always advise you on the most cost-effective options for your home. They can even suggest upgrades to 3 Star security TS007 euro cylinders that will provide an extra layer of protection against burglars. It is a small cost to get the peace of mind that comes from knowing your uPVC door is secured.
Broken Handle
It's not a surprise that window handle locks may break. They are equipped with complex mechanisms that wear out over time. If yours is damaged it's difficult to pinpoint the cause of the problem and make sure you fix it properly.
If the issue is with the internal locking mechanism or the latch, fixing your broken handle will increase your uPVC double glazing door's security and allow you stop draughts. It could be costly to repair or replace the handle in a way that isn't done correctly. It could also harm the frame and lock of your door.
Screwdriver: With the window open and the screw loose, loosen the handle. The screw should be on the inside face of the back plate, and is normally concealed by an attractive cover for the screw for aesthetic reasons. It is not recommended to lose any internal components of the handle such as the plates and levers on either side. Keep them in the same order to make it simpler to replace them in the event of a need.
Next, turn the handle so it's at 90 degrees towards the window frame. Then, loosen the screw on the back of the handle which holds it to the internal spindle by using a second screwdriver. Once this is released, you'll be able to pull the handle away and pull out the broken spindle. Replace it with a new spindle, ensuring that it's the same length (you can buy them on the internet or at hardware stores). Securely screw it into place. Do not overtighten the screw as this could cause damage to the handle and window frame.
Close the handle and test it. It should operate smoothly, and you will be able to open your windows after a few times.
Make sure to check that your uPVC window is shut properly when you're working with the handle. If they aren't closing properly, you could experience damp or draughts in your home. You could also compromise the energy efficiency of your home. Core Sash Windows is a local window company that can alter the hinges on your window frames to ensure they close properly.
Broken Spindle
It is usually the case that the spindle inside the handle breaks, rather than the handle itself. This is particularly common in uPVC tilt and turn windows. These windows require a handle to operate an locking device within the window frame. The handle is connected to a central rod that activates a series of mushroom-shaped locking cams that secure into the frame of the window keep. If the dead latch mechanism fails to open after the handle is turned, it's likely the spindle is damaged. This can be a frustrating problem.
Luckily, there are options to rectify this issue. A good locksmith can quickly and effectively address this issue. A professional locksmith will be able disassemble the window's handle using a tool to take out the wheel part in which the spindle is. This can be done without damaging the handle or causing other damage to the window frame.
After removing the wheel the technician can examine the spindle and identify what caused it to break. This involves disassembling the spindle and inspecting every component, observing any damage or excessive wear. The process is carried out in a clean room by skilled technicians.
The next step is to clean the damaged spindle. This will help get rid of any dirt or other debris that might be preventing it from functioning normally. The spindle may then be repaired or replaced. If the technician is replacing the spindle, he can use a dowel that is the same size to the original. The technician will then drill matching holes into both pieces. This ensures that the new spindle has a precise fit with the handle.
If the spindle is damaged and cannot be repaired it may need to be replaced entirely. Home centres sell generic replacements, but if the style of your window is rare then it is necessary to find a woodworker or cabinet maker who can duplicate the exact part for you. Once the new spindle is in place it can be attached to the handle by line up the screw holes in the handle and the frame existing screws. Once the new handle is firmly installed, you are now ready to operate your uPVC window.